Tick-mark 3.5cm 2.8 Nikkor-S Auto info wanted

[pthornto]

Hi everyone,
Last year I picked up a black Nikon F that had a 35mm 2.8 attached. I didn't think too much of the lens at the time but in browsing around the internet it appears to be one of the "so-called" tick mark lenses. It checks all the boxes for markings, aperture ring knurling, and 9-bladed aperture, etc.

As I understand it these were the early lenses for Nikon F and this would have been one of the first 35mm.

The lens isn't in great condition- There are a few scratches on the black plastic parts. I had put it aside as the front chrome barrel is a bit wobbly and the aperture is very stiff to turn. BUT, if this is a somewhat unique lens I would be interested in using it. If I decide to hang on to it and use it, I should likely have it adjusted.

Does anyone have any info as to unique optical properties of this lens? How does it compare to later non-AI 35mm? Does anyone know more about how many of these were made and really how collectible they are? Any info or resources would be helpful!

Thanks!,
Paul

 

[madNbad]

Here’s a start: http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

Keep it as it is, just be aware with the long aperture ring it will limit the bodies it can be mounted on.

 

[Mark C]

All of the 35 2.8 Nikkor lenses were very good. Not character lenses particularly. You can pick up a later version for next to nothing. I'd be inclined to move that one to a collector in trade for some nice Nikon gear. I think you would both benefit. Check the body it was on to see if it is particularly early. There might be interest in that to.

Or just take pictures with it.

 

[pthornto]

Thanks for the replies! The body was not particularly early, 67xxxx or something with a big photomic finder on top.

Just in comparing it to de Stoutz pictures it appears that the aperture ring on mine has been trimmed off on the mount side which is too bad. Still don't seem to be very many of these around so its a pretty cool lens.

 

[madNbad]

Have it serviced then use it. The early F mount lenses were designed with the rear of the aperture ring long enough to cover the lens mount. This was done to minimize the amount of dust that could enter the body. Most of them were trimmed so they could be mounted on Nikkormat's and later bodies.

 

[Corran]

Use it. The 35mm f/2.8 especially is a gorgeous lens. The early ones just have something pleasant about how they shoot.

I have 2 of the non-TM lenses but with the 9-blade aperture. The one real TM I sold for outrageous money years ago to a collector. You may find someone will still buy it for a silly amount even if modified...

Just look at the serial # lists. It's all there, to verify if you have a TM or one of the post-TM but 9-blade aperture models. #920xxx IIRC. The actual "Tick Marks" are easy to miss if you've never seen them, otherwise they look identical. Post a photo.

 

[pthornto]

Ok. Just tried to attach a pic. Let's see if it came through.

I think I will get it serviced and use it. I don't have another 35mm nikkor and like the older lenses.

 

[Mark C]

It looks great. It still might be worth checking value. Someone might give you an early 35 non-tick mark lens that doesn't need service, plus cash or other lenses for this one.



Either way, show us some pictures you take with it or its successor.

 

[Corran]

If it's been modded then value might suffer. I'm not a collector, I don't know what someone would pay, but I can tell you my 35mm TM sold for $1400 in excellent, unmolested condition.

 

[maryland_fotos]

Doesn't look modified from that one pic, although it would be better to see at an angle from the rear for certainty. Most of the earliest F-mount lenses, including the tick mark ones, have that long aperture mount rear overhang mentioned above, and do not mount on my Nikon Df. But somehow they work with the FTZ adapter for the Z mirrorless cameras.

They are all fun to use, but if you end up getting yours serviced and start using it, it may be good to be gentle with it to maintain that collector value.